Apparatus for selecting, analyzing and recording data

ABSTRACT

Data processing apparatus for detecting, counting and otherwise analyzing data stored on cards in punched or like form wherein the complete pattern of data on the card is sensed and detected simultaneously in one passage of the card through the analyzer (as distinguished from column-by-column or field-by-field detection); any desired pattern representing classes, subclasses and combinations of both data may be detected in a single passage of the card through the apparatus by selector switch circuits which couple the sensing elements in the selected combination to trigger counters or the like when the corresponding pattern appears in the card.

United States Patent Inventor Albert Leslie North 19 Holland Walk, Stanmore, Middlesex, England App]. No. 736,406

Filed June 12, 1968 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 226,043, Sept. 25, 1962, abandoned, and a continuation-impart of 581,140, Sept. 19, 1966, abandoned. Patented Feb. 16, 1971 APPARATUS FOR SELECTING, ANALYSING AND RECORDING DATA 235/6l.l13,61.11,61.1l1,112,114,115

[56] References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS 758,818 10/1956 Great Britain 235/61113 Primary ExaminerThomas A. Robinson Attorney Morgan, Finnegan, Durham & Pine ABSTRACT: Data processing apparatus for detecting, counting and otherwise analyzing data stored on cards in punched or like form wherein the complete pattern of data on the card is sensed and detected simultaneously in one passage of the card through the analyzer (as distinguished from column-bycolumn or field-by-field detection); any desired pattern representing classes, subclasses and combinations of both data may be detected in a single passage of the card through the apparatus by selector switch circuits which couple the sensing elements in the selected combination to trigger counters or the like when the corresponding pattern appears in the card.

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ATTORNEYS APPARATUS FOR SELECTING, ANALYSING AND RECORDING DATA This application is a continuation-.in-part of applicants prior copending application filed Sept. 25, I962 bearing Ser. No. 226,043 (now abandoned) and entitled Apparatus for Selecting, Analyzing and Recording Data and application filed Sept. 19, 1966 bearing Ser. No. 581,140 (now abandoned) and entitled Punched Card Selecting, Analyzing and Recording Apparatus."

The invention relates to apparatus for selecting and analyzing data recorded on prepunched cards or the like.

Itis a disadvantage of known apparatus for effecting selection, sorting and analysis of data that the sorting and subanalysis of more than one class of data requires additional operations of the apparatus. Thus for example if the recorded data falls within main classes which have subclasses then in order to extract data in respect of a given subclass it is first necessary to operate the machine to select a specified main class and then to run the selected main class data through the apparatus again one or more times to eliminate unwanted subclasses, so as finally to select the subclass required.

This disadvantage of conventional punched card methods arises from the fact that only one factor can be punched into a card column, a separate column having to be used for each subsidiary factor which relates to the first main factor. Since punched card sorters operate on only one card column at a time, the essential segregation of related data into separate columns inevitably requires such cards to be passed through a sorter several times before final analyzed results can be obtained.

The invention herein overcomes this difficulty by having the facility to link up hole positions on punched cards in any combination to form patterns" which represent complete and self-contained information which can be sensed and analyzed in one passage of cards through the invented machine, thus eliminating the necessity for any prior sorting of cards. Such hole patterns can be punched in any part of the punching area of a card, and the applicants apparatus can analyze whole, or selected parts of, patterns in the one card passage.

It is among the objects of the invention to effect, from a single sensing of a data bearing card, the simultaneous separation, analysis and recording of one or more predetermined sections of data either individually or in combination with each other, the remaining sections either being ignored or analyzed and recorded individually or in combination with each other in the same sensing operation.

It is a further object of the invention to enable entirely different and separate sets of main class date, either by themselves or in combination with relative subclasses, to be analyzed simultaneously in one passage of cards through the applicants machine, again without any presorting of the cards.

It is also among the objects of the invention to provide two alternative types of subclass analysis (i.e. Multiple Subanalysis and Combined Subanalysis) from the same pattern of subclass punch holes on the same card.

The analysis range of the cards used in the invention is based on combinations of main class punch hole positions, each of these combinations being multiplied by further combinations of subclass punch hole positions. The analysis range so produced is far beyond the capacity of conventional punched cards on which data is segregated into separate columns or fields.

According to the invention apparatus is provided for selecting and analyzing data stored on cards in punched or like form, adapted to detect in a single sensing operation any card bearing a predetermined combination of data which has been previously set up on a set of dials or selector switches.

Thus according to the invention apparatus for effecting simultaneously the selection and analysis of data stored on punched cards which are punched at one set of selected positions to indicate main classes and punched at a second set of selected positions to indicate subclasses of the main classes, comprises card feeding means, means for deriving signals indicative of the main classes of each card, and means for deriving signals indicative of the subclasses of the rtliiinv classes of each card.

Though it is a general characteristic of apparatus of the kind described that the data for analysis is, recorded on punched cards, any one type of known apparatus is limited to operation with a specific length of card, whereas the card feeding means of the invention provides apparatus which is capable of operation with cards of different lengths.

One construction of apparatus according to the invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view partly broken away of apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevation at arrow A on FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section on line x-xofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section on line y-y of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 (which is for convenience shown in two parts denoted 5a and 5b is a schematic representation ofthe electrical selecting analyzing and recording circuits. For clarity, only the circuits for punch hole positions 1 to 10 have been shown. Lead lines Nos. 1 to 10 would be continued in the same circuits to selection dials 11 to 20, and lead lines from the latter similarly connected to selection dials l to 10;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a selection switch denoted by B andC on FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows the positions of Gang-Switch A for (i) MultipleSubanalysis (ii) Combined Subanalysis;

FIG. 8 is a section taken along line -1a1a of'FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a section taken along the line lb-lb of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the analysis selection circuits of the second embodiment and the relationship thereof to the other components of the system;

FIGS. 12 and 12:; are schematic circuit diagrams of the card sensing unit of the second embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of the photocell selection board of the second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram illustrating a typical stage of the memory circuit of the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of the program selector circuits for four channels of the second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram illustrating th lamp drive circuits of the second embodiment; and

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the counter and disportion of which.

play circuits of the second embodiment, a diagram is also illustrated in FIG. 10.

In the construction illustrated in the first embodiment:

punched cards are fed to a spring-loaded feed roller 1 by a reciprocating table or plate 2 having transversely extending projections 3. Two members 4 each of which is pivotally mounted at one end on a transverse support passing through the frame of the apparatus bear against the projections 3. The punched cards are fed to the feed roller 1 by a forward movement of the reciprocating plate 2, which forward movement is effected by the movement of the pivotally mounted members 4 bearing against the transversely extending projections 3 of the reciprocating plate 2, movement of the members 4 being effected by eccentric cams 5 mounted on a manually, mechanically, or electrically driven shaft 6. The cams 5 bear against the pivotally mounted members 4 at a position intermediate the position of pivotal mounting and the position at which the members 4 bear against the transversely extending projections 3 of the reciprocating plate 2. The plate 2 is spring-loaded so as to return upon rotation of the cams 5 past the position at which the plate 2 is at its most forward position.

Rotation of the cam-bearing shaft 6 is effected through gearing indicated generally at 7 and additional gearing 8 is provided so that the same drive effects a contrarotation of the spring-loaded feed rollers 1 and 23. When a punched card is fed forward on the reciprocating plate 2 it is resiliently gripped by the feed roller 1, the contrarotation of which is such as to cause further forward movement of the punched card towards its sensing position.

Situated just in front of the card feeding aperture of the card hopper, and parallel with the leading edge of the delivery plate 2, is a narrow plate 211 mounted on an axle one end of which is squared. The distance between the bottom edge of the plate 2d and the delivery plate 2 is just sufficient to allow one card to pass to the feed roller 1 without touching the plate 2d. This distance can be adjusted according to the thickness of cards being used in the machine by raising or lowering the narrow plate 2d by means-of the setscrew on the top of each axle housing 2f. The squared end of the axle passes through its mounting 2f into a switch box 2e where it forms part of a switch connecting the electrical supply to a motor (in cases where the card feeding mechanism is electrically driven) or alternatively to a warning light. The narrow plate 2d is kept in its normal vertical position by means of a flat spring which bears against the squared end of the axle in the switch box 2e. The purpose of this device is to guard against the feeding of more than one card at a time through the machine. If two cards are fed simultaneously from the card hopper, the second card will turn the narrow plate 2d to a horizontal position, at the same time turning the squared axle end. in the switch box 2e to transfer the electrical current from the motor to the warning light thereby stopping the card feeding mechanism.

There are three sensing plates 9, l and 11. The top plate 9 is formed with four parallel rows of spring-loaded contacts 12 on the underpart of the plate, each row having ten contacts.

Two parallel rows of these contacts (128 in FIG. are connected electrically to a series of switches (B in FIG. 5) which are operated to select the required main classes of data indicated by various combinations of corresponding holes in the punched cards. The other two parallel rows of contacts (12C in FIG. 5) are similarly connected to another series of selection switches (C in FIG. 5) which are used to obtain the subclasses of the main classes from combinations of corresponding holes in the cards. Although separately operated, switches B and C are incorporated in one unit.

The middle plate 10 has four parallel rows of 10 holes each, all of the holes in this plate being in register with the contacts in the top plate 9.

The bottom plate 11 has four parallel rows of 10 electrical contacts which coincide with the corresponding holes in the second plate 10 and the spring-loaded contacts 12 in the top plate 9.

The middle and bottom plates 10 and 11 are fixed in position and with sufficient space between them to allow a punched card to pass through to its sensing position. The top plate 9 is spring loaded by means of four transverse flanges 15 which allow the plate 9 to rest on, or to be raised a short distance above, the plate 10, which motion is effected by four wedge-shaped cams l6 bearing on the four transverse flanges, the cams being mounted on two slidable members 17. These slidable members are spring loaded and are caused to move forward and backward by the movement of the reciprocating plate 2 by means of a flange 17a on each side of the delivery plate which bears on one end of each of the slidable members 17.

The 40 spring-loaded contacts'on the underpart of the top plate 9 extend through the corresponding holes in the middle plate 10. When the top plate 9 is raised through the action of the slidable cams 16 the end of each spring-loaded contact is withdrawn upwardly in its corresponding hole in the middle plate 10 just sufficiently to prevent its protrusion on the underside of the second plate. It is in this position that the middle plate 10 performs its function of preventing the ends of the spring-loaded contacts on the top plate interrupting the smooth travel of the punched card to its sensing position.

The top plate 9 has an electrical switch 14 activated by a plunger which extends through plates 9 and 10 so that when plate '9 is in the raised position the end of the plunger is flush with the under surface of plate 10. The switch 14 connects current from the electrical supply to the contacts 128 through the medium of input switches D each time a punched card is in the sensing position and the top plate 9 is lowered. The purpose of the switch 14 is to prevent current being supplied to the contacts 12? in the event of a card not reaching its sensing position.

With the card in its sensing position the reverse action of the reciprocating slidable cams l6 lowers the top plate 9 on to the middle plate 10, thus allowing the spring-loaded contacts 12 to protrude through the middle plate and any corresponding holes in the punched card and, through the operation of the switch 14 by the card, to make electrical connection with the contacts 13 on the bottom plate 11.

in operation the prepunched cards bearing the data for selection and analysis are contained in a hopper sited over the reciprocating delivery plate 2 and are dropped in succession on to the plate to be carried forward in succession, a flange 2a located at the rear end of the plate engaging with the trailing edge of each card.

The flange 2a is capable of being moved to various positions in a central slot which extends down part of the length of the delivery plate 2, the flange housing being kept in position by spring pressure against a narrow longitudinal plate 2b which borders each side of the slot on the underpart of the delivery plate 2. The card hopper has vertical grooves into which a dividing plate can be inserted to adjust the inside length of the hopper to that of the punched cards being fed into the machine. By these means, the machine can deal with different lengths of cards.

By the operation of a lever 2c, a roller cam can be made to adjust the height of the flange 2a above the delivery plate 2 according to the thickness of punched cards being used.

As the delivery plate 2 moves forward to initiate the passage of the punched card between the sensing plates 10 and 11, the slidable members 17 are moved forward to bring about the raising of the top plate 9 and also to operate a two-way electrical switch 18 mounted on one of the slidable members. Operation of this switch 18 causes energization of one of two aligned solenoids 19 and 20 thereby bringing about a reciprocating lateral movement of plate 21 disposed so that the ends of the plate 21 are connected each with an armature of one of the solenoids. The solenoid 19 energized by the switch 18 causes the plate 21 to move in one direction to cause, through linkage, the operation of stop members 22 which are urged upwardly through the bottom sensing plate 11 to contact the leading edge of the punched card and so position the card in top plate 9. At the same time, the action of the two-way switch 18 causes the first solenoid 19 to be deenergized and the second solenoid 20 of the axially aligned pair to be activated, thus bringing about the retraction of the stop members 22 and allowing the punched card to be carried from the sensing plates 10 and 11 by means of the constantly contrarotating roller 23. This roller is raised from, or lowered on to, the card at the appropriate time by means of a wedge-shaped cam 24 mounted on each of the slidable members 17.

The analyses which may be effected by the apparatus hereinbefore described and illustrated by way of example, and hereinafter referred to as The Datalyser and the operation of the electrical circuits illustrated in FIG. 5, are as follows:

1. Analyses Provided By The Datalyzer runthrough of cards. No presorting of punched cards is necessary. Mixed punched cards relating to entirely different kinds of data can be put into the Datalyser together, and the machine, when set, will select and analyze the required types of data in one operation of the machine.

The number of classes of data that can be analyzed in one passage of cards through the Datalyser depends upon the number of recording counters fitted to the machine in accordance with individual requirements for simultaneous analysis', in the construction described herein by way of example 20 counters are used.

Main Class W Result Recorded on Counter 1 I Sub-class 1 Result Recorded on Counter 2 Sub-classes 1+2"... Result Recorded on Counter 3 Total Progressive Results. Sub-classes 1+2+3 Result Recorded on Counter 4 Subclasses 1+2+3+4 Result Recorded on Counter 5 Final Sub-class Result. Main Class X. Result Recorded on Counter 6 Result Recorded on Counter 7 Result Recorded on Counter 8 Total Progressive Results. Result Recorded on Counter 9 Result Recorded on Counter l0 Final Sub-class Result.

Result Recorded on Counter Result Recorded on Counter Result Recorded on Count3r Result Recorded on Counter Result Recorded on Counter Result Recorded on Counter Sub-classes 9+10+11.. Sub-classes 9+l0+11+12.. Main Class Z }T0tal Progressive Results. .Final Sub-class Result.

Sub-class ETIII: u Result Recorded on Counter Sub-classes 13+14 Result Recorded on Counter Total Progressive Results. Sub-classes 13+14+15 Result Recorded on Counter Sub-classes 1a+14+1s+1s -11.- Result Recordedfon Counter i. Main Class Analysis Only This relates to the selection andrecording of main groups of data to the exclusion of any subclass data which may also be recorded on the cards. A Datalyser fitted with counters permits the analysis of up to 10 main classes of data in one runthrough of cards.

ii..Main Class Analysis with Subanalysis Simultaneously with theanalysis of main classes, the latter A Datalyser using cards having, for example, 20 punch hole can be fllYthe\' ana1yZed E the two 'f l f yp of positions for main classes of data and a further 20 punch hole ple Subanalysis and Combined Subanalysis indicated below. In positions f subclass data provides an analysis range both thesfe types of subanalls'ls one counter s to l' represented by combinations of any 2 to 20 main class hole a h mall! 61355, the r malmng counters being allocated m 40 positions, each of the resultant combinations being multiplied determined proportions to the recording of subclasses of the b bin ti f any 1 to 19 sub la h l iti main classes. For instance, the analysis of six main classes would leave 14 out of 20 counters, and the following are only three examples of the many ways in which the 14 counters could be utilized for subanalysis of the six main classes. 2. Analysis Selection Circuits Five main class-es -each analyzgd into two Separate Sub- The u ose of the anal sis selection circuits shown in FIG classes plus fi f 5 is to oiiirol the flow of electrical current to selected com r ss 5 ac a ze into t ree su c asses, us a z z igg g 2 gg g into two Subclasses plus g bmations of main class contacts 12B, and where necessary, to main class analyzed into one subclass or transmit the resultant current flow to various combinations of Two main classes each analyzed h three Subclasses plus subclass contacts 120 to obtain two alternative types of subu e a anal SlS see ara ra h 1 above .The selection of mam class twq mam classes eac-h analyzed mm two subclasses Pius one and Zubcflass naly ses is obtained by the operation of two semalln class analyzed :5 three subclasses plus one mam class ries of selection switches (B and C) and the interflow of cur- I 1 am we me su rent is achieved by the electrical connection of contacts 128 a.Mult1pleSubanalys1s and C and 13B and C on the top and bottom sensing plates 9 and 11 respectively, through corresponding combinations of Thls refers the slmultaneous analysis of a or holes in the prepunched cards. Although the electrical counclasses, of data into further subclasses without relationship to ms are incorporated in the Subclass circuits they are used to each other. An example of the simultaneous and separate record both main c'lass and subclass analyses i q z gs s zi fi fi bemg further The operation of the electrical circuits to effect the analyses yz? in o 15g 1 indicated above is as follows. In this connection, the term a n w m. :35: 1: gecorge on 80?! punching pattern" means combination of card punch holes 11 BB! BS 800! 6 on 0111181 subclass Result Recordeu on Counter 8. which represent mam class or sub class data. Sub-class 3.. Result Recordec on Counter 4. Sub-class 4-. Result Recordee on Counter 5. Main Class X- Result Recorded on Counter 6.

gugclass g.. gestalt; fiecorgeg on gounger S e5 ecor e on 01.11161 g fig g g: g g g on 8 $6 1. Main Class Analysis Only "III: 5:3 R38dd 32 833 a. As only main class analysis is required, all subclass selecgag}: ggggggg 3 tion switches C are kept at zero. 11:: Result Recorded on Counter b. The selection switch B corresponding to the contact gggggggg g3 ig- (12B) for the first hole in the punching pattern is turned to gesgllg gecorgeg on gounltzer the number of the second contact (123) in the pattern, and

8S ecor 8 011 oun er Result Recorded on Counter the switch B for this second contact is turned to the number of Result Recorded on Counter 20.

20 .Final Sub-class Result.

' from one and the same pattern of subclass punch holes on a card, and either type, together with its relative main class, can be analyzed in the one operation of the invented machine.

the third contact, any further contacts in the pattern being 7 successively linked in a simil fashion through their respective selection switches. (A minimum of two punch holes in a card is required for each main class). The selection switch B for the last contact in the punching pattern" is kept at zero." Where two or more main classes of data are to be recorded simultaneously, the same setting procedure is carried out for each main class. By this means, the main class contacts are divided into separate and distinct groups, the contacts in each group being linked in the relative punching pattern" applicable to each main class of data.

c. The input/output switch D corresponding to the first contact in the punching pattern" for each main class is turned anticlockwise to the input position for the electrical current. The switch D for the last contact in the punching pattern" for each main class is turned clockwise to the current output position. All other input/output switchesD in each main class are kept in a neutral position.

d. In each main class, the fiow of current is from the electrical supply to switch D (via switch 14 in FIG. 1), to the first top plate contact 128 in the punching pattern and, where a hole in the prepunched card corresponds with this contact, to the corresponding bottom plate contact 138, thence to the selection switch B for the first contact where the current is passed on to the second set of contacts 128 and 13B and the relative selection switch B. Through holes in the prepunched card, the current flows in similar fashion until it reaches the selection switch B for the last contact in the punching pattern," where, through this switch being set at zero, it is prevented from flowing to other main class contacts, but is instead shunted through lead line (a) or (b) to the relative electrical counter by the switch D for the last contact being set in the output position. This current output from switch D to the electrical counter is through the gang-switch A which is connected to the electrical counters and also to the subclass selection switches C, but the current will not flow through the latter switches since they are all set at zero."

ii. Main Class Analysis with Subclass Analyses a. Since one electrical counter is used to record the total of each main class of data, the hole positions in the prepunched cards are so arranged that the first hole in each subclass punching pattern" does not coincide with the subclass contacts 12c and 13C appertaining to the selection switch C which receives electrical current from the relative main class output at D. This arrangement prevents any current in the subclass circuit activating the electrical counter reserved for recording the main class total.

b. Presetting the Datalyser to record main class data has already been described in paragraph 2 (i) (a) to (c) above, and, by the arrangement of punch holes indicated in the previous paragraph (ii) (a), the selection switch C receiving electrical current from the main class output at D now acts solely as an input switch for feeding thiscurrent to the first contact in the subclass punching pattern" and also to the gang-switch A. In the case of combined subanalysis, the flow of current from the main class output at D to this input selection switch C is through lead line (a) which also provides current for recording the main class total on the relative electrical counter. In multiple subanalysis, current from the output switch D for activating the main class electrical counter flows through lead line (b).

c. For both multiple and combined subanalyses, the setting of selection switches C to link contacts 12C in accordance with each subclass "punching pattern in the cards is carried out in a manner similar to that described in paragraph 2 (i) (b) above for main class analysis, the switch C for the last contact in each-subclass being turned to zero."

d. The selection of multiple or combined subanalysis is achieved by turning the gang-switch A to the alternative positions indicated in FIG. 5.

With the gang-switch A in the position for multiple subanalysis, the flow of current is as follows:

By setting the subclass input selection switch C to the number of the first top plate contact 12C in the subclass punching pattern," positive electrical current from the main class output at D is transmitted to that contact and to its relative selection switch C. The successive setting of this and the appropriate remaining selection switches has the effect of feeding positive electrical potential to each of the remaining top plate contacts 12C in the sub class punching pattern. Through corresponding holes in the prepunched cards, the positive electrical potential is transferred to the relative bottom plate contacts 13C to activate the respective electrical counters which thus provide an analysis of the main class data into individual factors without relationship to each other.

e. The setting of the, gang-switch A in the combined subanalysis position controls the positive electrical potential in such a way that the transmission of current to the last electrical counter which records the final result is dependent on its successive flow through the preceding subclass contacts 12C and 13C representing the intermediate subanalysis factors. In this case, the positive electrical current from the main class output at D is transmitted, by way of the input selection switch C, to the first top plate contact 12C in the subclass "punching pattern and, through connection with the corresponding bottom plate contact 13C, to its relative selection switch C which is set to transmit the current to the next top plate contact 12C in the subclass punching pattern," and so on through succeeding bottom plate contacts 13C, selection switches C and top plate contacts 12C in that order.

As indicated in paragraph 1 (ii) (b) above in a combined subanalysis, although the final result is recorded in the electrical counter applicable to the last factor in each subclass, the progressive analyses of the preceding factors in the same subclass are also recorded on their respective electrical counters.

f. In both multiple and combined subanalyses, selected parts of subclass data can be analyzed by setting the appropriate selection switches C in such a way that electrical current is not passed to those contacts which represent unwanted data.

It will be understood that though the apparatus which has been described by way of example only uses electrical contacts for sensing the cards the sensing is not limited to such means but may be effected by other means, as for example, by light rays.

The apparatus hereinbefore described by reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 utilizes mainly mechanical and electrical principles in that the mechanical means for selecting, analyzing and recording are operated electrically.

It is among the objects of .the invention to utilize additionally or alternatively to the apparatus hereinbefore described electronic apparatus and circuitry in the selection, analysis, recording of data.

The analysis range of the apparatus hereinbefore described comprises several thousand million factors which in conventional apparatus utilizing electronic means and methods for selecting, analyzing and recording data would involve complex electronic circuitry and his among the objects of the present invention to mitigate this objection.

According to the invention as illustrated particularly in the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-17, apparatus for selecting and analyzing data recorded on punched cards comprises means providing a signal corresponding to each of all of a plurality of sensing positions, except determined positions forming the pattern to be sensed, means for producing a signal from each of said determined sensing positions when a card punched with the pattern to be sensed is scanned and indicapositions can be detected and a recording made of a main analysis.

Thus a main class analysis, either separately or together with a multiple subanalysis, or with a combined subanalysis can be obtained from a single card in one sensing operation.

Whatever kind of analysis is required a plurality of counting channels are available and all the differing types of analysismay be perfonned simultaneously, if required across all the counting channels.

The basic construction and operation of the second embodiment according to the invention is described below in respect of a machine operating on a small card with a hole pattern which can be varied between I and 36 holes in different positions and with a simultaneous counting capacity of 12 channels.

It will be understood however that 36 hole positions and 12 channels are specified by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation, the switching and programming circuits permitting modification to provide a smaller or greater number of hole positions and/or storage counters as required.

Referring to FIG. -17, the operation .of the machine is effected by a control panel consisting of:

l. Twelve keys 110, FIG. 11 (see sections 110a, 110b, 110C thereof in FIG. 10) each selecting one counting channel each with an indicator lamp 111 (FIG. 10) which operates when a channel has been selected. I

2. Thirty-six nonlocking pushbuttons 112 (FIG. 11) the operation of which selects the card punch hole pattern to be analyzed on each of the counting channels. When pressed in conjunction with the operation of the counting channel keys these pushbuttons become illuminated by energizing the selected program lamps 113 (FIG. 10) to indicate the punch hole pattern selected, and are extinguished on restoring the .channel key. This illumination can be restored for verification of analysis selections by depressing the relative channel key until positive and complete canceling action is taken.

3. Four digitron number tubes 114, FIGS. 10, 17) providing a readout of units, tens, hundreds and thousands. This constitutes a common readout system which can be switched to read the count stored on any one of the 12 counters 118 by operating the associated channel key.

4. A Zero Only" pushbutton 115 which, without canceling any pushbutton selections of hole patterns, restores the counters 118 to zero and consequently displays four zeros on the number tubes 114.

5. A Cancel and Zero pushbutton 115 and 116, (FIGS. 10, 11) which performs the same function as item 4 above but in addition cancels any hole pattern set up on the 36 pushbuttons 112 ofitem 2. t

6. A Count" key 120 (FIG. 10) the operation of which starts the drive motor 124 for moving each card to the card sensing head (not shown) and initiates the counting operation.

7. A Check" key, 121, the operation of which provides a quick means of checking the correct functioning of any counting channel together with the programme selecting circuits and the digitron number tuber 114.'

Programming is very simply effected by operating the appropriate channel key, 110a, 110b, 1100 (FIG. 10) clearing any previous programme by means of the Cancel and Zero pushbutton 115 and 116 and inserting the new hole pattern by pressing the appropriate pushbuttons.

The programming controls function only when a channel key is operated and then only on that channel. If, however, more than one channel key is operated when programming, the hole pattern selected will be programmed simultaneously into all the selected channels. The hole selection pattern indicated by the illuminated pushbuttons and the count indicated on the number tubes are those associated with the channel key which is thrown.

Similarly, the Zero Only" and Cancel and Zero" pushbuttons will function only when a channel key is depressed, and if several channel keys are operated at a time, either of these pushbuttons will operate on all the relative channels simultaneously.

For readout, only one channel key may be operated at a time, otherwise several superimposed results will appear on the readout, although no information can be lost by this action.

When the machine has been completely programmed, all channel keys are restored and the Count" key is operated. This starts the drive motor and reciprocating mechanism which feeds the cards through the sensing head an exemplary embodiment of which is illustrated in British Pat. 3,59I. As shown therein cards are contained in a detachable hopper in which they are stacked vertically and held in position by a detachable weight. This weight ensures that the bottom card will be selected correctly by the picker knife when the'hopper is positioned correctly in the machine. Each card is thus pushed into a throat area where it is picked up by a series of drive pulleys and positioned in the sensing head. Here the motion is arrested by the combined action of a cam-operated stop in the path of the card and the synchronized disengagement of the drive pulley from the edge of the card.

Information is abstracted through the medium of the various hole patterns formed by combinations of 2 to 36 holes in the cards, and the platform on which the card comes to rest contains 36 holes each fitted with a miniature electric lamp 122, FIG. 12. The upper section of the sensing head, which is positioned above the card, contains 36 photocells 123 in a further 36 holes aligned with the 36 lamps 122 in the lower section of the sensing head..-The direct light paths between the lamps and the photocells coincide with the 36 hole positions on the card. When a card is positioned in the sensing head only the photocells in positions where a hole is punched in the card will produce a signal due to the light falling upon them. the others being effectively blocked by the card.

A cam-operated microswitch 125 ensures that the voltage supply to the photocells is not connected until the card comes.

to rest in the sensing position and that it is subsequently disconnected before the card startsto move when the camoperated stop is retracted and the drive pulley reengages with the edge of the card. The result of this operation is to produce a pulse of current in every circuit associated with a photocell positioned above a hole in the card being sensed.

An additional photocell 126, FIG. 12 and lamp circuit 127 is positioned in the sensing head along the edge area of the card where no hole is ever punched. This photocell is only illuminated when there is no card in the sensing head and its function is to inhibit the 36 sensing circuits when no card is present.

If any pattern of holes whatsoever is detected when a card is I to a second flap which is permanently raised in the path of the card, thus causing it to be ejected into a second hopper provided to collect all the cards not included in the selected programme of hole patterns.

The 36 photocell outputs are routed simultaneously to all the 12 storage counters FIGS. 10, 17, through a set of 36 memory circuits 130 (FIGS. l0, l1 and 14) per counter which are programmed by the 36 pushbuttons on the control panel. As the group of 36 memory circuits associated with each counter can only be operated by the 36 pushbuttons when the associated channel key is operated, each counter can be individually programmed and a count will only be registered when a card containing the selected hole pattern arrives in the sensing head.

The count stored in each counter 118 can be individually displayed on the common readout digitrons 114 by operating the associated channel key. Restoring the key disconnects the counter from the readout but does not affect the count stored. 

1. Apparatus for processing and analyzing a plurality of data bearing media to detect simultaneously different sets of data without the need for presorting, said media each having means for bearing data representing elements distributed thereon, comprising a plurality of element sensing means each corresponding with the assigned location of a respective one of said data elements, means for placing said element sensing means in condition to simultaneously sense the presence of said data elements, counter means, and selector circuit means for connecting selected ones of said element sensing means into a circuit combination and for operatively connecting said selected circuit combination to said counter means whereby the simultaneous presence of all the data elements conforming to the selected data combination causes actuation of the counter means.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said selector means are adjustable to form a plurality of said circuit combinations simultaneously, said circuit combinations corresponding to a plurality of said preselected data combinations, said counter means having a plurality of counters connected to respectively respond simultaneously to said plurality of data combinations.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 2 including switching means in said selector means for connecting said counters to said circuit combinations for registering said detector combinations.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, including n counters and in which said selector means include a plurality of said switching means having contacts for connecting said counters to said circuit combinations for simultaneously detecting of said combinations.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 3 including n counters and wherein said switching means of said selector means include a plurality of selector switches and associated circuits for forming a plurality of said circuit combinations to detect x main classes of said data elements simultaneously with an integral number k of subclasses of said main classes where k does not exceed n-x and wherein said circuit combinations include serial connections of said element sensing means.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1 including n counters, and wherein said circuits combination represents a main class of said data elements, and wherein said selector means include a plurality of switches for forming a plurality of subclass circuit combinations and coupling same to said main class circuit to detect simultaneously n-1 subclasses and said main class of said data elements.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said selector circuit means include switch contacts and circuit connections to said element sensing means for forming a plurality of said circuit combinations in series and series-parallel relationship for registering the detection of main classes of said data elements, subclasses of said main classes, and combinations of said main and subclasses, respectively.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said media comprise cards having data representations in the form of punching arranged in classes and subclasses aNd wherein said selector means are arranged to interconnect said element sensing means to simultaneously sense said classes and subclasses of data.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 8 including card feeding means arranged to feed cards to said element sensing means, wherein said selector means include switch means for interconnecting selected of said sensing elements representing said classes and subclasses of data, respectively, in series and series-parallel relationship, and means for deriving counter-actuating signals when said cards are punched in accordance with said selected combinations of class and subclass data combinations.
 10. Apparatus for processing and analyzing a plurality of data bearing media to detect simultaneously different sets of data without the need for presorting, said media each having means for bearing data representing elements distributed thereon, comprising a plurality of element sensing means each corresponding with the assigned location of a respective one of said data elements, means for placing said element sensing means in condition to simultaneously sense the presence of said data elements, counter means, and selector circuit means for connecting selected ones of said element sensing means into a circuit combination and for operatively connecting said selected circuit combination to said counter means whereby the simultaneous presence of all the data elements conforming to the selected data combination causes actuation of the counter means, said selector circuit means comprising a plurality of element selection means, at least one counting channel operatively connected to said counter means, said counting channel comprising a plurality of digital memory circuits each operatively connected to a respective one of said element sensing means and to a respective one of said element selection means for producing an output state indicative of the correlation between the output of the respective element sensing means and the corresponding respective element selection means, and program selector means responsive to the combined states of said memory circuits for controlling the actuation of said counter means.
 11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 including a plurality of said counting channels each having respective counter means for detecting various sets of said data, the corresponding memory circuits of each channel being jointly responsive to the same element sensing means.
 12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 including channel selection means connected to said memory circuits of each channel for rendering each channel responsive to a selected combination of states of said element selection means.
 13. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 in which said digital memory circuits each include bistable means and gate circuits for controlling the operation of said program selector means.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 10 in which each of said digital memory circuits includes a bistable circuit and a gate circuit responsive to said bistable circuit and said respective element sensing means, the output of said gate circuit being operatively connected to said program selector means.
 15. Apparatus for processing punched card data having a plurality of data bearing columns, each column being adapted to be punched at selective locations in the column for representing data elements comprising a plurality of data element sensing means, each oriented to detect the presence of punched hole at a respective location in each column and configured to simultaneously supply multicolumn data represented by punched holes in a plurality of said columns, a plurality of data selection means each corresponding to one of said data element sensing means and operable jointly to establish desired combinations of multicolumn data containing elements from a plurality of said columns, a plurality of computing channels each containing memory and gate circuits, channel selection means for selectively connecting each channel to said data selection means, said data sElection means being connected to store in each channel an indication of selected of said desired multicolumn data combinations, said memory and gate circuits of each channel being connected to compare the sensed combination of data elements detected by said sensing means with the desired data combination stored in said channel and to establish a signal state indicative of said comparison, and counter means connected to be controlled by said signal state.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which there is one memory and gate circuit for each element sensing means and corresponding data selection means, each of said memory and gate circuits including a NAND gate having an output connected to said data selection and channel selection means, a bistable hold circuit responsive to the output of said NAND gate, a NOR gate responsive to the output of said bistable hold circuit and to a respective one of said element sensing means, and a common gate responsive to the output of all said NOR gates in a particular channel for generating said signal state.
 17. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which each of said element sensing means comprise photoresponsive means connected to a corresponding one of said memory and gate circuits in each of said channels. 